Student perceptions of international education and study abroad a pilot study at York University Canada

Introduction to International Education

• International student mobility is essential for higher education’s internationalization.
  • Canada shows low mobility, with just 2% of full-time students studying abroad (Trilokekar & Rasmi, 2011).

Study Objectives

• Research aimed to examine:
  • The importance students place on international education.
  • Their awareness of university opportunities.
  • Attitudes, perceptions, and preferences regarding study abroad.
  • Factors influencing engagement in study abroad.

Findings of the Pilot Study

• Identified three groups among students:
  • Intending to Study Abroad
  • Unsure about Study Plans
  • Not Pursuing Study Abroad
• Factors influencing intent to study abroad:
  • Positive social and institutional support correlated with intention.
  • Academic hassles at both home and host institutions also play a role.

Institutional Commitment

• Over 95% of Canadian universities prioritize internationalization.
  • Study abroad is key for developing globally competent citizens (AUCC, 2006).
• Benefits of study abroad include:
  • Development of intercultural competencies and global citizenship skills.

Student Interest Trends

• Participation rose from 1% in 2000 to over 2% in 2006, yet remains low compared to other countries (Daly & Barker, 2005).
• Identified barriers to participation:
  • Financial costs, rigid curriculum, low faculty awareness, lack of language skills.

Perceptions & Preferences

• Students express a strong desire for international experience.
  • 81% of American students show interest in studying abroad.
• Emotional factors are equally crucial:
  • Homesickness, social isolation, and discrimination impact perceptions of study abroad.

Survey Implementation

• Conducted via online questionnaire targeting first and second-year students at York University (38,559 total enrollment).
  • Recruitment strategies aimed at increasing representativeness across faculties.

Demographics of Participants

• Sample Size: 77 students.
• Gender: Predominantly female (76%).
• Age: Most aged 18-20 (68%).
• Background: 45% first-generation Canadians.
  • 96% have traveled internationally, 43% have worked/studied abroad.

Findings on Awareness of Study Abroad

• High perceived importance of international education (97%).
• Significant gaps in actual awareness of available opportunities at York:
  • 74% could not name specific international programs.
• Barriers noted were cost (71%) and time commitment (39%).

Academic and Social Support

• Intent to study abroad linked to perceived support:
  • Higher perceived academic and social support for students intending to study abroad.
• Academic hassles perceived more by those not intending to study abroad.

Conclusion and Recommendations

• Most students value international education but face significant barriers.
• Recommendations include:
  • Enhance outreach and communication about opportunities.
  • Increase awareness of financial aid and support services.
  • Develop strategies tailored to the three identified student groups.

Future Research Directions

• Need for further studies on psychological, social, and cultural factors influencing study abroad decisions.
  • Continued exploration of how social networks and institutional support play roles in easing perceived barriers to study abroad.